Olivette Marie Abraham

Olivette passed away on October 2nd, 2025 holding hands with her children.

Olivette was born on June 24, 1929 to Alice and Wilfred Jerome in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. She grew up alongside sisters Sally and Viviane and brothers, Reo and Ron. Sally, Reo and Ron predeceased her.

Olivette moved to New Westminster with her family at a young age. Olivette’s high school yearbook indicates she was “track club president, was very popular, liked all sports but in particular she is our star at basketball.” She formed life long friendships with special girlfriends whom she enjoyed monthly “club” lunches for over 60 years (they were actually featured in the local news in 2007 at the 60 year mark). Three of those women are still enjoying life at 96 years young.

Olivette completed Grade 12 in 1947 from T.J. Trapp Technical High School, New Westminster and began her career in the medical field. She worked as a medical stenographer, a medical office assistant at a doctor's office where she used her impressive short hand and typing skills, and an ECG technician administering cardiogram tests.

Olivette met her beloved Charlie (1924-2003) in her 20s at a dance in White Rock. They were married April 10, 1952. He often said to his children “they broke the mould when they made your mother.” He was right. Theirs was a beautiful “love you so much that it hurts” kind of marriage.” Olivette and Charlie lived in Vancouver and then settled in North Vancouver and had three children in birth order: Cindy (Greg deceased), Nancy (Doug) and Brent (Kristin) all of whom survive her. Olivette loved being around her family more than anything.

She will be remembered for her kind and caring ways, her knack for making others feel special through her cards and special notes just because and for doing the little things that meant so much to those she loved.

As children, we can’t forget how special BBQ peanuts and ginger ale were when we missed our Dad when he was on business trips. She just new that the little things would help.

She was an incredibly special Nana, too, who attended her surviving grandchildren’s (Taylor, Madison and Cassidy Watt; Jackson and Tara Abraham) sporting events, just as she had done for her own children growing up. She was the best babysitter making sure that the grandchildren had toasty warm towels when they got out of her swimming pool, back scratches by the fireplace, a bowl of jello or pudding served in a special bowl with wafer cookies and hard nectarines. She was the best Nana because she served treats in bed like apple slices, bananas or English muffins with crunchy peanut butter on top or Fruit Loops until they could convince her they were full.

Turkey dinners at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving as well as devilled eggs served on a special platter were her forte. Many of her traditions she created are fondly remembered and continue today.

A special thank you goes out to the Care Givers at the Salvation Army Buchanan Lodge in New Westminster and Dr. Halai. These are the people who loved and cared for her like she was their own. Words are not enough to express our appreciation to these people.

Butterflies, in particular, will forever be a symbol of Mom. We are attached to hummingbirds and squirrels too because of her love for them. When you see a butterfly, hummingbird or squirrel stop and think of this special lady Olivette our Mom.

Mom, we miss you so much. Love, love, love you.